Question:
Should I be worried about my acid reflux creating problems during surgery?

I have pretty regular acid reflux (when ever I lie on my back). My biggest fear is being on my back for surgery or while recovering and having acid come up and choking to death. Did anyone else have the same concerns? What was your experience?    — Brenda G. (posted on December 28, 2002)

December 28, 2002
Brenda, I also had bad reflux and during the pre-op testing was found to have a hiatal hernia. I also worried about that, but anesthesia assured me during my pre-op that I would be given meds and it would be OK. I had a pretty extensive bowel prep the day before and my surgery ended up not starting until 5 p.m. so I am sure that I was pretty empty, but either way I had medicine some by mouth w/ a wonderful sip of water and some IV before surgery. When I woke up in recovery I still had a NG tube in my nose and it was immediately removed and then the head of the bed was raised about 60 to 70 degrees from then on, so I had no problem w/ it. I am bothered w/ it some now w/ certain medications that I take, but it seems to be getting better. Best of luck and God bless. Leigh
   — Leigh S.

December 28, 2002
I had open RNY and my doctor told me I'm physically <b>unable</b> to reflux anymore as a post-op. I had nocturnal reflux with aspiration asthma and almost DID choke to death one night as a pre-op. So don't worry, usually the RNY (at least) CURES gastric reflux. I was on Protonix daily and have not taken it since about a month post-op. The doc had me take it for a month post-op because my Zoloft was giving me a burning sensation in my pouch. Hugs, Joy
   — [Deactivated Member]

December 29, 2002
I also had acid reflux but ever since my surgery ive been great dont have to take pepcid tums or anything anymore its so great no waking up in the middle of the night with that burning sensation. So i wouldnt worry about it.
   — qtalleycat68

December 29, 2002
Brenda, I had only minor problems with reflux, but I suspect that to some degree, at night, it did play a part in aggravating problems with asthma. It is normal to think that reflux would be a problem during surgery since you will be flat on your back! My preoperative meds were IV Zantac and it was a pretty hefty dose. Just before I was taken to the operating room I had to swallow a medication called Bicitra. This med tasted like a double strength grape sweet tart but the action of this med is to neutralize whatever acid is left in the stomach. During the operation, you will be intubated ( a tube into your trachea to help you breathe) and aspiration should not occur. Good luck for your upcoming surgery. I had an open RNY 11/25/02. Best thing I have ever done.
   — Lisa D.

December 29, 2002
I als had acid reflux before surgery on a regualr basis. I took a perscription for it, it was so bad. You should not be overly concerned, but you should tell your surgeon and your anestesiologist. They will address this prior to you going under with whatever method they feel is best for your case. I believe the after surgery you will no longer have acid reflux. You dont state what kind of surgery you are having, but I will assume RNY. If that is the case, you have nothing to worry about. Say bye-bye to your acid reflux! I KNOW I dont miss mine!
   — LMCLILLY

December 30, 2002
Absolutely TELL them before surgery! They will want to know things like this. They will know how to take care of it. I used to stop breathing many times at night and wake up absolutely gasping. Then add to it the acid that came up... and not breathing. Well I did'nt wake up until I was really starved for air. Then that acid would make it so the air did'nt get to my lungs. I'd make ungodly death noices and really think I would die. I was terrified to go to sleep. Well on Jan 8th I'll be 20 months post op (open rny). I've lost 160 of the 190 I wanted to lose (guess I'll never get the other off now). Anyway, so far I've NEVER had acid come up again in the night! Plus, I don't recall stopping breathing in the night. If I do, it is'nt as bad anyway. But do tell them about any and all medical problems BEFORE surgery. It's very wise to tell your anesthesialogist right before your surgery too. I always get extreme hives from general anstheisa. Well when I stress this HIGHLY, they put something in and it does'nt happen! ;)
   — Danmark